How to Paint a Palm Frond

By Sky Martin ; Updated April 12, 2017

A palm frond often conjures up images of exotic paradises, lush tropical flowers and sandy beaches. With colors varying from vibrant citrus green to a dark shade of brown as it ages, a palm frond can inject some personality to a plain table, vase or chair. Once you learn how to paint a palm frond, you can use the skill to transform any object in your home into a decorative work of art.

Set images of palm fronds near your work area. Study the shape and color of the palm frond. Use these images as a guide as you paint a palm frond.

Use a round brush to paint a slanted line as long as you want the frond to be.

Hold a flat brush in a horizontal position. Starting from the bottom of the slanted line, make a line that extends from the base outward, so it curves slightly. These smaller lines are the leaves that make up the frond. These leaves should be wide at the base and become thinner as they move outward until they reach a pointed edge.

Continue to paint the same types of leaves as before so they are parallel to each other. Paint enough leaves so they fill up the palm frond.

Give depth to the leaves by using a darker shade of green on the side of the leaf that faces the base of the frond. Use a light shade of green on the top of the frond to give the impression of sunlight hitting this area.